Diagnostic Medical Sonography Specialist Associate in Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?A. The diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as an Ultrasound Technologist, is a skilled person qualified by academic, laboratory, and clinical training to provide patient services. The sonographer performs the ultrasound exam and serves as the eyes and ears of the physician, who will interpret the medical images produced through sonography.

Q. When does the program start and what is the application deadline for the program?A. The program starts in the Fall of every year. There is only one class selection per year. The deadline to apply is May 1st.

Q. What are the application requirements?A. The student should apply to Miami Dade College and also apply to the DMS program. To apply to the program the student should have completed ENC 1101, MAC 1105, BSC 2085, BSC 2085L, BSC 2086, BSC 2086L, PHY 1020 or 1025, and HSC 0003 and HSC 0003L. If the student has taken other physics courses, the transcript will be evaluated for possible substitution and waiver. Students must have completed all courses before starting the program. Students may still apply if the courses will be completed in the summer after the application deadline but should understand that the selection criteria is based on the programmatic GPA and number of courses completed.

SPC 1026, PHI 2604, CLP 1006 can be taken within program and are not needed to apply to the program.

Q. What are the admissions/selection criteria?A. The student selection is based on Program GPA and dependent on the number of courses completed at the time of application. Students with the highest program GPA and that have completed all required courses by the application deadline will be considered first. Applicants will be awarded points based on a sliding scale from 4.0 – 2.5 on the general education pre-requisite courses.Final admission into the program is dependent on the following criteria:

Completion of CPR and HIV/Aids course.

Completion of the Student Health Record that includes a physical examination with evaluation of the ability to meet the physical demands, proof of the required immunizations, and completion of the Hepatitis B vaccine series or waiver, and five panel drug screen.

Level II background check.

Q. Can I apply if I have not completed all of the general education and science courses?A. Yes. Courses listed above should be completed in the summer before the fall start date. Students that have completed all required program general education courses listed above by May 1st and with the highest Program GPA will be considered first for selection.

Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?A. You will earn an Associate in Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This will qualify you to participate in the credentialing process offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer.

Q. What are the hours of the program?A. The program is a full time approximately 35-40 hours per week. The schedule varies from semester to semester. The clinic hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. depending on the clinic assigned.

Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?A. It is not recommended to work more than 20 hours a week while in program.

Q. Do you assist with job placement after graduation?A. The Medical Campus does not provide job placement. Through the Career Center located in the New Student Center on the Medical Campus, graduates may review employment opportunities that have been forwarded to the Career Center.

Q. Do I need to take a test to work in this profession after graduation?A. A sonographer does not need a license to work. It is highly recommended to become registered by the ARDMS. Most hospitals in the area require sonographers to be registered at the time of employment or will have a deadline of one year after the hire date.

Q. What is the approximate annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?A. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median salary for sonographers is $64,380.

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Speak to a Medical Campus advisor. Please note that applications for all Medical Campus programs, except those leading to a Bachelor's degree, must be done in person. Visit us any time during office hours to speak to an advisor and fill out an application. Appointments are not necessary.